An Introduction to Nature

The Nature Study program at Huyck Preserve introduces elementary school children to nature through a week-long half day program. Students spend time outside experiencing nature and walking the trails, while learning how to identify common plants and animals in the area and some basic principles of biology. Students are encouraged to ask questions and make observations about the world around them and begin to identify relationships between plants, animals, and the environment around them. Programs frequently end with science-themed games which reinforce basic concepts such as migration, predator/prey relationships, habitat quality, and pollution & biomagnification.

About the program

Held in two, week long sessions, divided by age group (K-2 & 3-5), Nature Study introduces children to nature through the exploration of the Preserve's flora and fauna. Students will spend the week outdoors learning basic methods for collecting, identifying, and cataloging wildlife, taking nature walks, and creating nature and science themed crafts and playing science-themed games.

A thematic approach will be taken for the week and students will explore nature (i.e. streams, forests, amphibians, etc.) on a daily basis within that theme. Some examples of a day at nature study might be:

Amphibians! Students discuss amphibian traits and identification while walking the trails of the preserve in search of amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. Students might use dip nets in ponds and streams to catch amphibians, or check pit-fall traps and cover boards.

Stream EcologyStudents investigate what lives in the streams of Huyck Preserve, and how the organisms they find there differ from what lives in the lakes and ponds. Students use dip nets to catch crayfish and other macroinvertebrates, introducing the topic of insect life stages and adaptations. If you have questions about the program or application, please contact info@huyckpreserve.org or call the office at 518-797-3440.

2017 dates

K-2nd program: July 17th - July 21th3rd-5th program: July 24th - July 28nd

Classes are from 1pm - 4pmPlease arrive on time for pickup and drop off at the Research Station, unless otherwise told by instructors.

Tuition

Nature Study for each age group is $30 for Preserve Members, and $80 for Non-members. Programs can be paid for by check or cash in person at the Preserve, or by credit or debit card online. To pay for a program online, please add the desired programs to your cart below.

Financial Assistance: No family should be discouraged from applying to the Nature Study because of lack of funds. We welcome a broad cross section of students interested in ecological research and can offer financial assistance to interested students. Please contact the Preserve office directly for information on scholarships.

Please note: To account for online processing fees, online program prices include an approximately 3% price increase. Payments by check or cash in person or by mail at the Preserve are not charged this fee.

​How to apply

﻿To apply by mail﻿: download the application using the link at at the upper right of this page, or stop by the Preserve to obtain a printed copy of the application. Submit the completed application by mail or drop it off at the Preserve.